Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Sources say the Senators had a few talks with the Maple Leafs regarding David Clarkson. The Senators had tried to sign him two years ago. The Sens finally decided that they couldn’t make the money work.
Joe Haggerty: Joffrey Lupul’s name has come up in the last few days with regards to the Bruins search for a right winger. Darren Dreger: The Bruins and Leafs have talked about Lupul, but it’s likely too big of a risk for the Bruins. The Bruins are still interested in Antoine Vermette. Joe Haggerty: Three years at $5 million plus is a tough sell for the Bruins. Hearing that it’s coming down to the Blackhawks and Bruins for Vermette.
David Pagnotta: Based on talk from last night, Antoine Vermette will not make it to March 2nd. If it’s the Blackhawks, they would like to get the deal done now. Blackhawks are looking to finalize a trade for today. Heavy interest in Vermette, but also exploring other options.
The Fourth Period: Three different sources have said the Blackhawk have increased their efforts for Vermette. The Blackhawks also like Zbynek Michalek, but one source said he doesn’t think Michalek would be part of the deal. The Capitals and Ducks are “very hot for (Vermette)” according to one source. The Predators, Rangers and Canadiens are also thought to be interested. A Michalek trade may have to involve conditional draft picks due to his injury. Martin Erat is also being discussed.
David Pagnotta: The Leafs would like Brendan Gallagher for Lupul. The Leafs like Gallagher, but he’s not on the table for the Canadiens. Have been told the Leafs like Lars Eller.
Bruce Garrioch: The Blackhawks, Bruins, Flames and Blues have been working the phones heavily in the past 24 hours.
The Fourth Period: The Canadiens are still looking for a top-six goal-scorer and a top-four defenseman. The Canadiens have expressed some interest in Joffrey Lupul, Jordan Eberle, Keith Yandle and Antoine Vermette. To take on Lupul or Eberle, the Canadiens would have to send a roster player the other way. The Leafs may be interested in Lars Eller.
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: If the Avs fall further out of the playoff picture, look for them to trade defenseman Jan Hejda to a contender. The Rangers could have interest in Hejda. The Avs could also trade Daniel Briere who has been a healthy scratch recently.
